06/10/2026
Leadership is about influence not about authority- Hon. John Nwachukwu
The PDP Standard Flagbearer, for the Gubernatorial Election, Sir Soni Sam Ejekwu visited the State Executives of the party, with the Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, Mrs Pirinye Kabaka Ehuwa.
They were received by the Acting Chairman of PDP, Hon John Ndubueze Nwachukwu, JP, who thanked them for the visit and commended Chief Ejekwu for not forgetting his former colleagues, as it should be recalled that Chief Ejekwu is the immediate past PDP Vice Chairman of Rivers East Senatorial District in Rivers State.
"This is the true nature of your character, that you have not forgotten your former colleagues, even though you have been elevated to represent our Party at the Governorship election. We thank our National Leader, Chief E.N Wike who has shown that leadership is about influence and not about authority. He influenced two of our colleagues to be Executive Council Chairmen, two others are Vice Chairmen in their respective LGAs, our former boss, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, is now the Deputy National Chairman, South of PDP and now you are our Governorship flagbearer.
We want to thank him for being a leader who has shown that he has our best interest at heart and we will continue to follow him".
He urged the Gubernatorial flagbearer of the PDP, Chief Soni Ejekwu to be rest assured that he will get the requisite support from the party and advised his running mate, Mrs Pirinye Kabaka Ehuwa, to adhere to the instructions given to her by her principal, so that they will record resounding success.
In his speech, Chief Soni Sam Ejekwu thanked the leadership of PDP Rivers State for the warm reception accorded to him and his running mate, and enjoined his former colleagues to continually appreciate the National Leader of PDP, His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS for the profound recognition given to him, stating that he can never take it for granted and he is forever indebted to Chief Barr. Wike, who in his magnanimity, made his a Local Government Caretaker Chairman, a Commissioner, a member of the State Executives of PDP Rivers State and now, the PDP Gubernatorial flagbearer of Rivers State.
He stated, "Wike has been a remarkable leader who has consistently played a significant role in my political trajectory. I am indebted to him".
He said the visit was a neccessity, ahead of the campaigns, to familiarise and show equal solidarity with the party, stating that he will never forget his roots. He described his running mate as a square peg in a square hole who has consistently worked for the party, behind the scenes which necessitated her elevation as his Deputy, stating that she has what it takes to deliver in the assignment, given to her.
In his vote of thanks, the State Secretary of the party, Dr. Benibo George, DSSRS, thanked the Gubernatorial flagbearer and his running mate for the visit which will further strengthen the party. Dr. Benibo George stated that there is no live amongst the State Executives of the party, who cannot boast of being touched by the National Leader of PDP, His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. Noting that he is a leader who is worth following.
Dr. George asked Chief Soni Ejekwu to go home and be rest assured that he has the backing of the State Executives of the party and at the appropriate time, the needful will be done to ensure that he gets the required success he needs.
Engr. Mrs Joy Oyaghiri-Fagbemi,
Assistant Publicity Secretary,
PDP Rivers State.
October 6, 2026.
